You are here

A City Resplendent with Turkish Delights

Truly one of the world’s great cities, Istanbul is supremely exotic, warmly welcoming, and utterly unique. After all, where else can you tour Europe and Asia on the very same afternoon?

But trust us, you’re going to need longer than an afternoon to visit all the must-sees on Istanbul’s list: Hagia Sophia, once the greatest church in Christendom for 1,000 years; Topkapi Palace, the stunning “home” of sultans; the iconic Blue Mosque; the 6th century Basilica Cistern—and those are just some of the sites located around Sultanahmet Square!

No trip to Istanbul is complete without a shopping trip to the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Dating back to 1461, its 5,000+ shops and 60 streets offer everything from jewelry and ceramics to spices and teas, and carpets (be they magic or otherwise).

And the food? Well, the Turkish delights awaiting you are just too numerous to mention, but here’s a delicious start: kebaps, doner, kofte, pilav, and assorted mezzes, plus manti, lahmacun, borek, pide, and dolma. No matter what you try, be sure to finish with some honey-laced baklava and Turkish coffee or mint tea for dessert.

Istanbul, Turkey Highlights

Blue Mosque

This magnificent mosque is a truly marvellous architectural achievement, with six distinctive minarets, Byzantine ivory work, grand domes and its interior gleaming with 20,000 tiles, shimmering in the reflection of the sun.

Keep straight 15km (9.3 Mile) until you see the entrance of Sarayburnu Port on the right hand side

Direction From City Center Taxim to Sarayburnu Port

Head west on Taxim to Siraselviler Ave.

After passing though Garanti Bank turn left to the Kazanci Hill

At the end of Kazanci Hill, turn right to Meclis-i Mebusan Ave.

Pass through Galata Bridge and turn left

Turn right to Gulhane after passing Sarayburnu Port on the left and make a “U” turn to port

Hotels

10 Karakoy Hotel

Package Description:

Room Tax and Breakfast

Property Details:

Located in Karaköy, one of the most vibrant and burgeoning districts in the heart of Istanbul, 10 Karaköy, A Morgans Original, is a luxury boutique hotel where history meets modernity.

Grand Hyatt Istanbul

Package Description:

Room Tax and Breakfast

Property Details:

This luxury Istanbul hotel reflects the spirit and culture of the city, seamlessly blending East and West. Located in the new center of modern Istanbul, the Grand Hyatt Istanbul hotel brings you close to Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, the entertainment district and various shopping malls.

Intercontinental Istanbul

Package Description:

Room Tax and Breakfast

Property Details:

InterContinental Istanbul is the ideal base for exploring endless historic sites, museums, restaurants, clubs and shops. Located in Taksim with stunning views of the Bosphorus, Istanbul skyline and the Blue Mosque, this Istanbul hotel is a short walk from Dolmabahce Palace and Lütfi Kırdar Congress Hall.